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Picture

My French Country Makeover. My  $100 Planning & Idea Board.

6/16/2026

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Picture
(source below)
What style will I decorate my current home? It wasn't until this picture that I knew. French Country. This is my planning & idea board to fit our Charlotte Mason life.

Why French Country?

I have loved french country style for a long time. Elements of this style always mix into my decorating, but never fully.

We purchased our current home about 5 years ago. It has a Victorian exterior and is around 100 years old. I had not found my decorating inspiration ... until now.

When I came across the Simply French Market (photos throughout), my heart said yes! BTW, Simply French Market makes the lovely handmade slipcovers as seen.

My Favorite French Country Elements.

Why am I drawn to French Country? Some of my favorite French country elements include: whites, ruffles, soft fabrics, green plants, warm woods, scrolly design.

Other elements of the French Country Style that inspire me and fit our Charlotte Mason way of life and learning occur to me as well.
  • beautiful books 
  • famous artwork pieces
  • ornate framing
  • reading corners
  • pillows and slipcovers in cottons and linens
  • glass cased bookshelves
  • an open window with a summer breeze
  • music playing softly
  • a fresh scented candle

Living Room Inspiration

Picture
(source below)
Other elements that bring charm . . .
  • chipped paint (shabby chic as well)
  • bird cages
  • wire baskets
  • chandelier
  • pillows
  • ruffles

What an invitation. I just want to sit on that couch and read a living book. Which one would you read on it this summer?  You can see my mother culture reading plans.

Bedroom Inspiration

Picture
(source below)
I love and often use ruffle bedding. More elements to love . . .
  • large clocks ( I already have one hanging in my bedroom)
  • fresh flowers
  • ornate mirrors or chalkboards or artwork or a photo of wedding
  • plush pillows and lots of them

Bathroom Inspiration

Picture
(source below)

Isn't this beautiful? I'm thinking long soak in the tub with a Jane Austen Novel. Style element that I like are:
  • Long ruffle curtain
  • Chandelier
  • A touch of wallpaper
  • White stool & fresh flowers (pink peonies are just lovely)

Note: Add pink peonies to the backyard when landscaping this summer.
Note: Ornate white vases in every room would be nice too.
Picture
(source below)
I already have this, but really essential to this style . . .
  • white curtains throughout
  • topiaries

Kitchen Inspiration

Picture

I'm not sure if I'm brave enough for black and white flooring. I might prefer just wood flooring in the kitchen.​

My Budget

I'm going very thrifty!  My goal is to spend $100 or less per room for my french country makeover. 

Which room is first?

I'm open to suggestions. We already renovated and painted the living room and bedroom. So they might be the easiest first pick. We are currently working on renovating the kitchen. Feel free to vote in the comments.

​I will think it over and keep you posted.

Where I Plan to Shop.

Here are my ideas on where to look for French Country & Shabby Chic Style:
  • Dollar Tree
  • Thrift stores
  • Dollar General
  • Hobby Lobby
  • Michaels
  • Simply French Market
  • Les Fleurs
  • Antique Shops
  • Deco Steals

Any other ideas?

One French Splurge. Antiqe or Vintage.

Picture
(source: les fleurs)
Should I allow myself one French splurg? What about a French antique or vintage item that doesn't have to be in the budget. I love this beautiful wire basket from France.

Final Thoughts

To get started, I'm going to purchase one French Country Decorating Book at Thriftbooks. It would also be fun to read a French Country Living Book this summer to stay in the theme. Do you have any favorites on either?

Well, it's time to get started. My next step will be to choose my first room and get going. I'll be sharing lots of pictures and journaling the process.

I hope you will come along on My French Country Makeover journey. Maybe this will end with a trip to France next year? 

Sources

  • SimplyFrenchMarket.com
  • LesFleurs.com (last picture only)

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    Renee Metzler holds a degree in Secondary Education, English from Bloomsburg University of PA. She is a homeschool mom of 4 children and loves to share her joy of lesson planning and curriculum.

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